Therapeutic pad



(No Model.)

7 G. H. BERNS. THERAPEUTIC PAD.

Nb. 414,967. Patented Nov. 12, 1889.

UNITED STATES GEORGE H. BERNS, OF BROOKLYN, YORK.

PATENT OFFIC THERAPEUTlC PAD.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 414,967, dated November 12, 18 89.

Application filed August 9, 1889- Serial No. 320,247x (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE H. BERNS, of Brooklyn, in the county of Kings and State of New York, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Pads for Therapeutic Purposes; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, and to the letters of reference marked thereon, making a part of this'specification.

This invention has for its object the production of a pad for therapeutic purposes, designed more especially for veterinary practice, and to be used as a substitute for poultices of bread, flaxseed, slippery-elm, &c., and which shall retain moisture and heat, admit of repeated use, and be furnished at a low cost.

It consists of a sack or bag of soft textile fabric filled with moss or other equivalent semi-elastic material, which will hold and retain moisture and heat for a long time.

In the accompanying drawing, which illustrates in perspective a pad made according to my invention, having a corner broken away to show more clearly thec'onstructionthereof, A represents the filling of absorbent semielastic material, and B 'B the two facings of textile fabric between which it is inclosed.

I prefer to use ordinary moss as the filling for my improved fomeifittion pad. This moss, after being gathered, is first washed and picked to free it from foreign substances, after which it is cleansed in a weak solution of carbolic acid and dried. It is then interposed between two plies or facings B B of soft textile material, and secured therein by stitching the edges of the two plies of fabric, and by quilting or by tufting the same, as shown at O O O in the drawing. The pad is'finally subjected to pressure to impart to it its finished form and render it softer and more pliable.

Vith the customary poultices made of bread, fia-xseed, slippery-elm, &c., wrapped in cloth or sewed in bags it is difficult to retain them in place. For instance, when applied upon the neck or leg, the soft material has a constant tendency to sag down from its weight alone during the movements of the animal, and thereby uncover and expose the part to be treated; or, where a poultice is placed under the foot, the weight of the animal will displace the soft material. This difficulty is wholly overcome by the use of my invention, for the improved pad is not only less bulky and equally soft and pliable as a poultice, but by reason of its lightness and the manner of its construction will remain permanently in position when once properly applied, while the only effect of pressure thereon will be to expel the fluids therein, which may be readily replaced without removing the pad, so as to restore it to its full efficiency so soon as the pressure is withdrawn.

Any medicated solution or liquid that may be indicated may be used to moisten the pad instead of water alone, and the pad will, when undisturbed, retain its moisture and heat for a long time. After having been used it may be washed and cleansed, so as to be again serviceable.

I am aware that water-proof flexible bags having a woolen felted material, sponge, or spongio-piline facing have been manufactured for use as poultices, the outer absorbent layer being moistened for use, and then kept moist and warm by means of the bag filled for the purpose with hot water. My invention secures all the advantages of this cumbersome device' at less cost, and in aneat light compact form. v

I am also aware that medicated pads of various descriptions have been made, consisting of alum, borax, or other drugs inclosed between two or more thicknesses of textile material quilted or stitched so as to form a series of cells or pockets; but I know of none such which are made or filled with a soft elastic material, capable, without becoming hard and matted, of absorbing and holding water or other fluid in saturation to serve as a poultice.

I claim as my invention As a new article of manufacture, the withindescribed fomentation pad or poultice consisting of an outer casing of ,porous textile material and an i nterlining of moss.

In testi mony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

GEO. 1i.

\Vitnesses:

A. N. JESBERA, E, M. WATSON. 

